Â
Indian Fashion Designer, Tarun Tahiliani, will explore the history and evolution of fashion in India and the subcontinent. He will discuss how his work straddles modern aesthetics and India's rich heritage of draped forms and artistry, shaping his legacy as the creator of "India Modern."
About The Book:
Unveiled and launched at the opening of the premier Art Mumbai, Tarun Tahiliani’s first book, ‘Tarun Tahiliani- Journey to India Modern’ has been co-authored by Alia Allana and published and distributed by Roli Books in India and marks more than three decades of his journey in the industry. The book features exclusively commissioned photography and spans the quantum of the designers life from his early years, the launch of the iconic Ensemble in 1987, creating a fashion ecosystem with the first movers, to the eventual culmination of the legacy he has created with his eponymous label and brand since 1995. A 300 page deep dive into Tarun’s love for fashion, history, culture, craft and the pursuit of a dream called ‘India Modern’ , the book juxtaposes the making of his legacy against a historical context of the renaissance of fashion.
A life rich with exposure to both western and Indian influences, Tarun has spent many years answering the question of what it means for design to play a part in the cultural identity of a country with rich traditions and heritage in a rapidly modernising environment.
The book looks at the journey he took across remote regions of the country to study different clusters and learn about their craftsmanship, fabrics, detailing; around the world to understand the technicalities of exquisite tailoring and construction; and internally, to eventually create a bridge that brings to the fore rich cultural tradition alongside innovative new techniques to craft a new story in fashion which is a celebration of India while being relevant around the globe.
Establishing the now iconic concept saree, building the bridal couture and menswear luxury fashion niche, fashion muses and their contributions, innovating with forms, experimenting with techniques, making couture weightless, constantly evolving with what it means to be the modern man and woman of today in fashion and powering on with what he believes is his purpose- of showing the power of the structured drape, the book covers all aspects of the making of the man and the brand.
The book is available to order now:
https://taruntahiliani.com/products/tarun-tahiliani-journey-to-modern-india
For more information, please contact:
Sunaina Bhakhri
Sunaina.bhakhri@taruntahiliani.com
+91 9560032141
Â
Presented by MA Fashion Studies, School of Art and Design History and Theory at Parsons and The New School.
Founded in 1995, the Tarun Tahiliani brand embodies the essence of ‘India Modern’ while honouring its rich heritage of draped forms and artisanal traditions. With a foundation rooted in India's craftsmanship passed down through generations, Tarun Tahiliani seamlessly merges traditional techniques with global sophistication.
Tarun Tahiliani, a Wharton School of Business graduate, recognized the burgeoning potential of India's couture industry upon returning to his homeland. In 1987, he pioneered India's fashion landscape by establishing Ensemble, the country's first multi-designer boutique before launching his eponymous label. Since his inaugural solo show at London's Dorchester Hotel in September 1994, Tahiliani has showcased his collections globally from New York to Dubai and Hong Kong. Tarun is also credited with being the first Indian designer to show his collection at Milan Fashion Week in 2003.
His distinctive aesthetic is characterized by intricate detailing, refined luxury, and impeccable tailoring. From couture to ready-to-wear, each piece reflects timelessness and a fusion of Indian sensibility and international allure. The brand reinvents the subcontinent's rich heritage into contemporary high fashion, celebrating the genius of Indian craftsmanship and the finest textiles on a global stage.
Known as one of the pioneers of couture in India, Tahiliani authored his first book ‘Journey to India Modern’ which encapsulates his three-decade legacy and provides a deep dive into the fashion ecosystem in the country. Published by Roli Books in India, the book was released in 2023. In 2024-2025 Tahiliani will also become the first Indian designer to have a curated showcase of his creations and legacy contributions to fashion, shown at the Asian Civilization Museum in Singapore.
Committed to amplifying diverse voices, The New School offers more than a thousand public programs and events each year, providing fresh perspectives and unique learning opportunities. These lectures, exhibitions, concerts, and performances feature prominent and emerging artists, activists, and thought leaders. Be sure to visit our Events Calendar to see the full roster.
Â
To receive updates about public programs and events at The New School, subscribe to our mailing list. Visit our Livestream and YouTube channels to watch select events live and recorded.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum sagittis mi eu elementum malesuada. Maecenas arcu felis, suscipit vitae mi in, posuere ultricies nunc. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ante velit, condimentum eget erat a, suscipit porttitor nisl. Pellentesque in semper nunc. Duis ultricies lacus nec dolor elementum efficitur. Cras congue neque et ipsum egestas, tincidunt tempor magna elementum. Maecenas in rhoncus ante, ac mattis lectus. Donec pulvinar nulla a varius malesuada. Ut auctor enim mi, mollis laoreet eros aliquam eget. Proin lectus tellus, ullamcorper nec neque a, ornare facilisis tellus. Proin in eros sit amet diam imperdiet varius. Duis tincidunt dolor nibh, ac interdum odio molestie vel. Cras dignissim enim at mi varius aliquet.